Salivary lactoferrin levels, disease severity and correlates in patients with chronic periodontitis presenting to a tertiary health facility in Nigeria

Objective: This study compared the concentration of salivary lactoferrin in patients with and without chronic periodontitis and investigated correlations with clinical variables of the disease. Methods: The study included 102 participants (51 cases and 51 controls) who presented at the Periodontology Clinic of University of Benin Teaching Hospital and met the selection criteria of '4mm and above' periodontal probing depths (PPD) and positive bleeding on probing (BOP) using community periodontal index (CPI) probe. Healthy participants (controls) were patients that had PPD less than or equal to 3mm, absence of BOP and simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) not more than 1.2. Baseline OHI-S and CPI scores were recorded. Saliva samples were collected and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the mean (SD) lactoferrin concentration of control participants 5.27(0.59) mg/l and case participants 6.74(0.61) mg/l (p<0.001). Participants with probing pocket depths (PPD) of 6mm or more had a significantly higher mean concentration [6.85(0.06) mg/l] than that of those with PPD 4-5mm [6.71(0.67) mg/l] (p< 0.001)Lactoferrin levels were highest in participants with 'poor' oral hygiene [6.85(0.60) mg/l] and lowest in those with 'good' oral hygiene [6.65(0.83) mg/l]. Conclusion: Salivary lactoferrin levels were higher among participants with chronic periodontitis than those without chronic periodontitis and correlates positively with the main clinical characteristics of the disease

Does any Relationship Exist between Self Reported Gingival Bleeding; Oral Health Perception; Practices and Concerns?

Background: The objective was to determine the relationship between self-reported gingival bleeding; oral health perception; practices and concerns. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey among undergraduates of University of Benin; Benin City; Nigeria was conducted between April and May; 2011 using a self-administered 21-item structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences and P0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of the 400 questionnaires that were distributed; 338 were returned filled giving a retrieval rate of 84.5 . About three-quarters (71.3) of the respondents were younger than 22 years. Males constituted 65.1 while the remaining 34.9 were females. The prevalence of self-reported gingival bleeding among respondents in this study was 12.7 . Individuals with gingival bleeding were significantly more likely to rate their dental and gingival health as fair/poor; use strong brushing stroke during tooth brushing and report worsening condition of teeth despite daily tooth brushing; express worry about the gingival color and less likely to be satisfied about the appearance of their teeth and to have received professional instruction on tooth brushing. Conclusion: Data from this survey revealed an established relationship between gingival bleeding; perceived dental and gingival health; tooth brushing force; professional instruction on tooth brushing; perception of the condition of teeth in relation to daily tooth brushing; worry about the color of gingiva; and satisfaction with the appearance of the teeth

Perceived Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of Dental Auxiliaries

Objective: To determine the perceived oral health status and treatment needs of Nigerian dental therapists in training and dental technology students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of students from Federal School of Dental Therapy and Technology Enugu; Nigeria was conducted using self-administered questionnaire to obtain information on demography; self-reported oral health status; knowledge of impact of oral health on daily life activity; dental attendance and perceived dental need. Results: The perception of oral health status and treatment need of the two groups of dental auxiliaries was the same. Fewer respondents (27.3) rated their oral health as excellent; while 50.4rated their oral health as good. Majority (95.5) agreed that oral health is a part of general health and 94.6agreed that oral health has a role in daily life. Out of 81.4that had previous dental treatment; scaling and polishing accounted for 66.1. Presently; 48.8think they need dental treatment ranging from scaling and polishing (33.9); tooth restoration (10.3); to extraction (1.2). Conclusion: This survey revealed that most of the students are aware that oral health is a component of general health and that it has an impact on an individual's daily life. More than half of the students perceived their oral health as good; but only a few knew that there is a need for a preventive approach to oral health as evident by the percentage that perceived scaling and polishing as a treatment need